All User Comments for: Implementing Local Public Health Practices to Reduce Social Inequities in Health

This paper is well researched and offers a practical list of ten ways that local health departments can focus thier practice to reduce health inequalities. The paper is well researched and written. It goes into more depth for three of the recomended practices and helps the reader consider how to evaluate readiness of an organization to adopt these practices.

Health Inequity and Local Practices

Thomas Schlenker

This working document submitted by the Sudbury, Ontario local public health agency is an admirable product of the Canadian Health Services EXTRA fellowship (Executive Training for Research Application). It examines the evidence that local public health practices can reduce health inequities, identifies ten practices that are atleast "promising," selects three for implementation using criteria based on need, capacity and impact and finally discusses the beginning stages of implementation in Sudbury. It's greatest strength is that it is well written, well organized and concrete, of truly practical benefit to other LHDs serious about addressing health inequity. All ten health practices are cogently presented and well referenced although actual evidence is not. The process of "research-oriented decision making" is beautifully described. Kudos to our neighbors to the North. Please visit Wisconsin any time!